If you're serious about optimizing your internet connection, then using a network switch could take it to the next level. You might be wondering: "If my home internet works fine without a network switch, do I really need one?” I spoke with an expert from Netgear to discover the benefits of using one. Spoiler: It can improve your connection.
A network switch is a device you connect to your router. It opens up more Ethernet ports, allowing your router to connect to multiple devices. If your household frequently relies on your home broadband connection to stream or game, these activities can hog a lot of bandwidth. It helps to have a network switch to speed up your connection. Sometimes, an advanced network switch can also prioritize your traffic for specific devices, such as Smart TVs or gaming consoles and reduce network congestion. Why does this matter? Well, if your network suffers from a lot of congestion, you'll likely see slower and inconsistent speeds. This can really put a damper on you're gaming or streaming your favorite show.
There is more than one type of network switch, which we’ll cover in a bit. Each serves its own purpose. However, choosing the best type of network switch for your needs will depend on a few things.
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John Henkel, Netgear’s director of SMB Product Marketing, tells CNET that “a user should consider their own level of tech savviness, their appetite for customization and control, and what the network needs are,” before considering investing in a network switch.
How does a network switch anyway?
Akamai/Screenshot by CNET
It can be easy to confuse a router and a network switch, as they offer similar features but have different purposes. According to Spiceworks, a router transfers information through data packets from one computer network to another. It can also direct traffic between these computer networks and route it to their final destination, a specified Internet Protocol address. aka an IP address. On the other hand, a network switch is a device that connects your router to multiple devices. It operates at layer 2 of the Open Systems Interconnection model. A network switch sends data through packets using the appropriate Ethernet ports that lead to the intended device. One of the main advantages of using a network switch is that it allows you to connect your router to multiple devices such as computers, wireless access points, printers and other servers.
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Knowing the different types of switches available can help you better understand how network switches work. The names of these switches can differ based on the industry, but overall, switches fall into the categories of unmanaged to fully managed.
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